taxmap/wpubs/p596-000.htm#TXMP0367b33dEarned Income Credit (EIC)

Introduction– Begin Here

The earned income credit (EIC) is a tax credit for certain people
who work and have earned income under $48,362. A tax credit usually means more
money in your pocket. It reduces the amount of tax you owe. The EIC may also
give you a refund.

To claim the EIC, you must meet certain rules. These rules are
summarized in Table 1.

Table 1. Earned Income Credit in a Nutshell

First, you must meet all the rules in this column.

Second, you must meet all the rules in
one of these columns, whichever applies.

Third, you must meet the rule in this column.

Chapter 1.
Rules for Everyone

Chapter 2.
Rules If You Have a Qualifying Child

Chapter 3.
Rules If You Do Not Have a Qualifying Child

Chapter 4.Figuring and Claiming the EIC

1. Youradjusted gross income (AGI) must be less than:• $43,352($48,362 for married filing jointly) if you have three or
more qualifying children,

• $40,363($45,373 for married filing jointly) if you have two qualifying
children,

• $35,535 ($40,545 for married filing jointly)
if you have one qualifying child, or

• $13,460 ($18,470 for married filing jointly) if
you do not have a qualifying child.(See page 5.)

2. You must have a valid social security number.
(See page 5.) 3. Your filing status cannot be "Married filing separately."(See page 6.) 4. You must be a U.S. citizen or resident alien all
year.
(See page 6.) 5. You cannot file Form 2555 or Form 2555-EZ (relating
to foreign earned income).(See page 7.) 6. Your investment income must be $3,100 or less.
(See page 7.) 7. You must have earned income.
(See page 9.)

8. Your child must meet the relationship, age, residency,
and joint return tests. (See page 12.) 9. Your qualifying child cannot be used by more than
one person to claim the EIC.
(See page 16.) 10. You cannot be a qualifying child of another person.
(See page 20.)

11. You must be at least age 25 but under age 65.
(See page 21.) 12. You cannot be the dependent of another person.
(See page 21.) 13. You cannot be a qualifying child of another person.(See page 22.) 14. You must have lived in the United States more
than half of the year.
(See page 23.)

15. Your earned income must be less than:• $43,352($48,362 for married filing jointly) if you have three or
more qualifying children,

• $40,363($45,373 for married filing jointly) if you have two qualifying
children,

• $35,535
($40,545 for married filing jointly) if you have one qualifying
child, or

• $13,460 ($18,470 for married filing jointly) if
you do not have a qualifying child. (See page 24.)